Poovar Travel Essentials

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Poovar Tourism

Poovar, nestled in the southern tip of Kerala, India, is a charming coastal village renowned for its natural beauty and serene ambiance. Situated about 30 kilometers from Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum), the capital city of Kerala, Poovar offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life. Its proximity to Trivandrum and the popular beach destination of Varkala makes it a convenient yet off-the-beaten-path destination for travelers seeking a peaceful retreat.

One of the highlights of Poovar is its stunning backwaters, where the Neyyar River meets the Arabian Sea, creating a unique ecosystem teeming with diverse flora and fauna. Boat cruises along the backwaters provide a mesmerizing glimpse into the untouched beauty of Poovar's landscapes, with opportunities to spot exotic bird species and witness traditional fishing techniques. Nearby, the Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary offers further exploration into the region's rich biodiversity, with the chance to encounter elephants, deer, and various bird species in their natural habitat.

A must-do activity is hiring a boat, particularly during the enchanting sunset, to navigate through the mangrove forests of the backwaters. This serene boat ride typically costs between INR 3000 to INR 4000. Poovar boasts some of the region's most beautiful resorts and hotels, renowned for their exceptional hospitality, ensuring a memorable stay for visitors.

Poovar is also renowned for its pristine beaches, including the Poovar Beach and the nearby Golden Sand Beach. Visitors can unwind on the golden sands, take a refreshing dip in the clear waters, or indulge in water sports such as kayaking, snorkeling, and banana boat rides. The tranquil ambiance of Poovar's beaches makes it an idyllic spot for relaxation and rejuvenation.

For those interested in exploring the cultural heritage of Kerala, Poovar offers opportunities to visit nearby attractions such as the Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Trivandrum and the cliffside temples of Varkala. Additionally, visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture by attending traditional dance performances, shopping for handicrafts, and savoring delicious Kerala cuisine at the village's eateries.

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History of Poovar

There is an interesting story about how Poovar got its name. When Marthanda Varma Maharaja was declared as the successor of the King, Ettuveetil Pillamar, the other two sons with the help of Madampis tried to seize power. Therefore, the Maharaja had to run away and he ended up in Poovar. Moosa Marikar, a prosperous and noble businessman, provided him with a safe place. He also helped the Maharaja to regain his lost kingdom. During his stay at Poovar, Marthanda Varma was fascinated by the beautiful red flowers, from the Kovala trees which flanked the banks of the Neyyar River. The flowers floating in the river seemed like a red carpet. It is believed that the Maharaja described the river as 'Poo-aar' meaning 'a stream of flowers' and this was how Poovar got its name.

Ayurveda in Poovar

Ayurveda in Poovar flourishes as an integral part of the region's cultural and wellness heritage. Renowned for its holistic healing practices, Poovar offers a sanctuary for those seeking rejuvenation and balance of mind, body, and spirit through Ayurvedic therapies. The village boasts numerous wellness resorts and spas specializing in traditional Ayurvedic treatments, where skilled practitioners provide personalized consultations and therapies tailored to individual needs. Visitors can immerse themselves in a world of ancient healing wisdom, experiencing a range of therapies including massages, herbal treatments, detoxification programs, and yoga sessions. Surrounded by the serene natural beauty of Poovar, Ayurvedic retreats offer a tranquil oasis for relaxation, revitalization, and inner transformation, providing a holistic wellness experience that leaves a lasting impression on mind, body, and soul.

Poovar Backwater Houseboats

Houseboats in Poovar offer a unique and enchanting way to experience the serene beauty of the backwaters. These traditional-style houseboats, reminiscent of Kerala's iconic kettuvallams, are equipped with all modern amenities to ensure a comfortable and memorable stay for visitors. Floating along the tranquil waters of the Neyyar River and its adjoining canals, guests can soak in breathtaking views of lush greenery, coconut groves, and diverse birdlife. Whether it's a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a solo retreat, houseboats in Poovar cater to various preferences and group sizes, with options ranging from cozy one-bedroom boats to spacious multi-bedroom vessels. Guests can indulge in delicious Kerala cuisine prepared by onboard chefs using fresh local ingredients, savoring authentic flavors amidst the picturesque surroundings. With personalized services and leisurely cruises, houseboats in Poovar offer a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and cultural immersion, promising an unforgettable experience on Kerala's tranquil waters.

Restaurants and Local Food in Poovar

Visiting a coastal area gives you a chance to savor the mouth watering delicacies. Poovar being a fishing hub offers some of the most delicious fish dishes you ever tasted. In fact, the town houses several multi cuisine restaurants and road side shacks serving local, Chinese, Tamil and North Indian cuisine. You will find a liberal use of coconut in the dishes quite refreshing.
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Suggested Itinerary for Poovar

Day 1- From your hotel or resort you can head off to the famous Poovar Beach, after a late breakfast. You can have a good beach time here in solitude. It is not at all crowded and is very clean and beautifully landscaping, separating the Arabian Sea and River Neyyar. Leave the beach late afternoon and relax at the hotel.
Day 2- Next day can you can take a houseboat cruise to the Fishing Village. You can get to understand the lives of the fisher folks and typical coastal villages of Kerala. You can also engage in fishing. You could also visit a century-old martial arts village to learn about the ancient martial art form of Kerala - Kalaripayattu.
Day 3- This can be another beach day. However, with recreational activities like water sports. Kovalam Beach can be the place, which has 3 beautiful crescent-shaped beaches, Lighthouse, Hawwah, and Samudra Beach. Lighthouse being the most famous, however, all of these beaches are extremely beautiful. You can leave the beach late afternoon and visit the natural sea port, Vizhinjam. It is internationally acclaimed for its beach resorts and Ayurvedic treatment. After a long day, you can indulge in an Ayurvedic treatment or a massage, which is healing and relaxing at the same time - just what you need on a holiday.

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How to Reach Poovar

How to Reach Overview

Being in the Trivandrum district of Kerala, Poovar is well-connected to the many cities in the country. Trivandrum International Airport lies at a distance of about 38 km, Trivandrum Railway Sation at around 35 km and has an extensive network of roads to the rest of the country.

How to reach Poovar by flight

Nearest airport to Poovar is the Trivandrum International Airport, distanced at around 38 km and has regular flights from the major cities in the country. Taxis and local state transport buses can be taken to reach Poovar.

How to reach Poovar by road

To reach Poovar by road you have to first travel till Thiruvananthapuram by regular bus services. Both private, as well as state-owned buses, connect the capital city from other major cities and states. From Trivandrum, you cannot approach the town by road but only through water. Boats or houseboats are available from Trivandrum till Poovar.

How to reach Poovar by train

The nearest railway station to Poovar is Parasalla Railway Station at a distance of 11 km. Thiruvananthapuram is another option lying nearly about 23 km away. From there on, you can hire a boat or houseboat to reach Poovar.

How to reach Poovar by waterways

Poovar Island is located 30 km south of Trivandrum. A fifteen-minute boat ride from Trivandrum will take you to the island. To move around this beautiful picturesque town, Poovar offers several options. Water taxis are available in many forms as per the visitor's convenience ranging from country boat and house boat to motor boat and canoes.

Local transport in Poovar

To move around this beautiful picturesque town, Poovar offers several options. Water taxis are available in many forms as per the visitor's convenience ranging from country boat and house boat to motor boat and canoes. A fifteen minute boat ride will be enough to take you to capital city of Kerala, Trivandrum. However, monsoon is not the perfect time to visit Poovar, so plan your trip accordingly.

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Poovar Photos

Poovar, Kerala
Poovar Beach
Kovalam Beach
Vizhinjam

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FAQs on Poovar

What are the places near Poovar?

The top places near to Poovar are Kovalam which is 13 km from Poovar, Kanyakumari which is located 57 km from Poovar, Trivandrum which is located 20 km from Poovar, Varkala which is located 60 km from Poovar, Alleppey which is located 143 km from Poovar

What are the things to do in Poovar?

The top things to do in Poovar are Poovar Beach, Thirparappu Falls, Vizhinjam, Shopping in Poovar, The Fishing Village, Cruises. You can see all the places to visit in Poovar here

How much does a package cost for Poovar?

The packages for Poovar start at INR 6599 which can be further customized based on number of people, days, hotel category, vehicle type and customizations. You can have a look at all packages here

What is the best way to reach Poovar?

Being in the Trivandrum district of Kerala, Poovar is well-connected to the many cities in the country. Trivandrum International Airport lies at a distance of about 38 km, Trivandrum Railway Sation at around 35 km and has an extensive network of roads to the rest of the country.
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What is the local food in Poovar?

Visiting a coastal area gives you a chance to savor the mouth watering delicacies. Poovar being a fishing hub offers some of the most delicious fish dishes you ever tasted. In fact, the town houses several multi cuisine restaurants and road side shacks serving local, Chinese, Tamil and North Indian cuisine. You will find a liberal use of coconut in the dishes quite refreshing.
Read More

What is the best time to visit Poovar?

The ideal time to explore Poovar Island is during winters from November - February as the temperature ranges from 19 - 33 degree Celsius and the weather is delightful. With the crisp and chillness in the air, Poovar is best visited during this time of the year. Monsoons from June to October are also another ideal time to visit Poovar as the place is surrounded by lush greenery; however quite hot and humid. With mild tropical climatic conditions, Poovar offers mildly warm summers. But, it's best to avoid visiting the island during summers as the mercury lingers around 37 degrees Celcius. It gets uncomfortable to explore the island.
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Who should visit Poovar?

Poovar is perfect for travellers who look for unexplored places. It is equally suitable for a family holiday or getaway or a private time for a honeymoon.

What is not so good about Poovar?

Tropical weather characterised by high humidity due to the coastal area.

What is famous about Poovar?

Poovar is an isolated and unspoilt ecotourism spot in Kerela. Well-known for its clean and golden sandy beach with serene backwaters.

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Popular Questions And Answers on Poovar

Q. How long a trip should I plan to fully enjoy Poovar?

Rohit Shroff

5 years ago
Poovar can be completed in just a day.
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Poovar Reviews

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Naman Sarawagi

5 years ago
About 40kms from the trivandrum airport. We selected this place over kovalam beach. Kovalam is very famous and that is a problem, makes it very crowded. Poovar is peaceful. Good resorts around the be (Read More)ach and lake.
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